How to Make Homemade Aloe Vera Lotion

Aloe vera, with its spiny, succulent leaves, is much more than just a pretty houseplant. Aloe's leaves are packed with a clear gel that soothes sunburn, bug bites and other skin irritations. Many drugstores sell aloe-vera lotion, but some brands include alcohol and artificial fragrance -- two things that can make skin problems even worse. If you'd rather say no to unnecessary additives, try whipping up your own aloe lotion. Once you've sampled your homemade lotion, you may never want to buy the store-bought stuff again.

Luxurious Lavender Lotion

Step 1

Set a small pot on a stove burner, then set a large heat-proof bowl on top of it.

Step 2

Add 1/8 cup of grated beeswax, 1/3 cup of coconut oil and 1/4 cup of avocado or sweet almond oil to the bowl. Mix in 1 cup of cocoa butter or unrefined shea butter.

Step 3

Set the stove burner to medium heat. Stir the ingredients occasionally until they're fully melted together.

Add several drops of lavender essential oil for fragrance. Mix in 1 tablespoon of aloe-vera gel and 1 tablespoon of honey.

Step 5

Continue heating and stirring the mixture until all of the ingredients are fully dissolved.

Step 6

Remove the bowl from heat and let it cool to room temperature, then set the bowl in the refrigerator until the mixture hardens. This normally takes about three hours.

Step 7

Scoop the mixture into a blender, then blend for five minutes. When done, the mixture should look like runny whipped cream.

Step 8

Pour the mixture into a mason jar with a lid. Wait three to four hours for the lotion to solidify.

Step 9

Smooth a dollop of the lotion over your skin when you're ready to use it. Do not rinse off. Store any unused lotion in the refrigerator for up to two months.

Sunburn Soother

Step 1

Grate two large carrots and one cucumber into a large saucepan. Add 1/2 cup of sesame oil.

Step 2

Set the pan on the stove and adjust the heat to the lowest setting. Heat the ingredients for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3

Set another large pan in the sink, then hold a strainer over the pan. Pour the vegetables and oil into the strainer. Discard the vegetables.

Step 4

Put the pan with oil in it back on the stove. Add 1 teaspoon beeswax and 1 teaspoon emulsifying wax. Stir until the ingredients have melted fully.

Step 5

Add 1/2 cup of aloe-vera gel and 1 teaspoon of vitamin C powder. Whisk the ingredients into the oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 6

Pour the lotion into a mason jar, then allow it to cool at room temperature. As it cools, the lotion will thicken.

Step 7

Apply the lotion liberally to irritated or sunburned skin. Store unused lotion in the refrigerator for up to two months.

How to Make Aloe Vera Oil for Hair

Treating yourself to a spa day at home? Be sure to add aloe vera oil for hair to your regiment! Even if you are not setting aside a day to pamper yourself, your hair deserves the royal treatment every once in a while–especially if you subject it to high heat from that daily blow-drying and hair straightening or curling! Massaging your scalp with aloe vera oil can do just that!  By using aloe vera oil for your hair every other day, you can reap this plant’s hair advantages:

• dandruff-relief
• moisturizing (conditions that dry hair and scalp!)
• stimulates hair growth
• improved texture, length, and strength

Do not, however, expect immediate results. You will have to wait three–even five–months  to notice any changes in your hair. Want even better news? You can make this hair-beautifying stuff right at home! With a few simple ingredients, you can cook up your own cheaper, longer-lasting batch of aloe vera hair oil. Commercial-ready hair here we come!

How to Make Aloe Vera Oil for Hair

Before going into this recipe, there is something you should know in advance! No procrastinating on this one. It takes some preparation time!

What You Need:

• 1 aloe vera leaf (anywhere from 2 to 4 inches will do just fine)
• 50 milliliters of coconut oil
• a bowl

Steps:

1. Filet that aloe vera leaf like you would a fish! You want to get to the center of your aloe vera leaf.

2. Remove the slimy, clear gel-like substance (called aloe gel, if you want to get technical). Avoid accidentally picking up any yellow part, which is usually found just below the skin of the leaf. You don’t want that: you want what is in the middle!

The easy way out: if you want to skip these first two steps, you can always purchase aloe vera gel in your local health food store!

3. Add aloe gel to a bowl with some coconut oil, and mix until the gel is completely covered in oil. If needed, add more coconut oil!

4. Let the mixture stand for 2 or 3 days.

5. Turn up the heat! After you let your aloe gel/coconut oil mixture rest for 2-3 days, heat it on the stove top for anywhere between 10-15 minutes. Keep the flame low, and stir frequently to ensure your gel does not burn (you don’t want all your hard work to go to waste!). Another way to determine how long to let your mixture sit on the flame is to listen to the sound it makes. When the popping sound of the heating oil stops, shut that heat off!

6. Hands off! Let your mixture cool down!

7. When room temperature, strain the oil to get any aloe vera gel pieces out. Pour the liquid into a bottle. It is ready for use!

When you use your aloe vera oil for hair, be sure to (1) massage it into your scalp, and (2) rub it in from roots to tips. You can use it after your normal shampooing routine and then rinse it off or you can leave it on overnight, rinsing it out in the morning, for deeper penetration.  Entirely up to you!

Geography and distribution

Geography and distribution

Aloe vera is cultivated around the world. It has escaped from cultivation and become naturalised in the Mediterranean, north Africa, the Indian subcontinent, South America and the Caribbean. 

Painting of Aloe vera by Marianne North (505: Common Aloe in Flower, Tenerife)

Description

Overview: Aloe vera is a short-stemmed shrubby aloe, frequently suckering and forming dense clumps.

Leaves: The leaves are succulent, erect, forming a dense rosette. The leaves are greyish green, growing to about 50 cm long, with margins that are pinkish with many small spines. The leaf surfaces are sometimes marked with white flecks or spots.

Flowers: The flowers are yellow, tubular, and up to 3 cm long, with anthers and stigma protruding. The flowers are borne in cylindrical racemes on a branched panicle up to 90 cm tall.

Aloe vera was formerly classified as part of the Asphodelaceae family, but this is now included in Xanthorrhoeaceae.

Uses

Aloe vera has been used for centuries and it is more popular today than ever. It is cultivated around the world as a crop for its colourless jelly-like leaf parenchyma known as 'aloe gel'. It is used for a variety of purposes in food, food supplements, herbal remedies and cosmetics.

Aloe vera leaf parenchyma (aloe gel) may be effective when used on the skin against psoriasis, burns, frostbite, and sores caused by the Herpes simplex virus. Research has shown that, taken orally, aloe gel can help to lower cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol, and can help to lower blood glucose levels in people with type II diabetes.

Aloe vera, growing at the Desert Botanic Garden in Phoenix, Arizona (Photos: Olwen Grace)

The green outer layer of the leaves of Aloe vera yields a bitter, yellow exudate which has very different properties from those of the colourless parenchyma. The bitter leaf exudate has traditionally been used as a laxative. However, research has indicated that the active constituents may have harmful effects and can interact with other medicines and herbal remedies. It should not be given to children or to pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Threats and conservation

Aloe vera is naturalised around the world and is common in cultivation. It is not considered to be threatened.

Cultivation

Aloe vera is easy to cultivate, with no special requirements. It should be grown in a well-draining gritty mix. The compost should be soaked when watering during the growing season, and allowed to dry out between waterings. It can be grown in a cool/warm glasshouse and put outside for the summer. Plants can offset profusely, so propagation is by potting up offsets.

Collecting aloe leaf exudate for chemical evaluation in the Jodrell Laboratory at Kew (Photo: Olwen Grace)

Aloe vera at Kew

Aloe vera, and other Aloe species, can be seen growing in the Princess of Wales Conservatory.

Behind the scenes, scientists in the Herbarium and Jodrell Laboratory at Kew have been carrying out research on Aloe vera and its relatives in the genus Aloe for decades and have published on topics such as the chemistry of the leaves, taxonomy, hybridisation, genetics and leaf surface sculpturing.

Read Kew Science blog 'Unravelling the evolutionary history of Aloe vera and its relatives'

Aloe Vera Plant Care: From Watering To Repotting

Aloe Vera is not a difficult plant to care for. It does grow faster outdoors during warmer months, but it doesn’t mind a pot and does just fine in the house. Some basic things to watch out for: it’s true that Aloe’s like sun, but they can turn brown in harsh light. Indirect is best. Also, they can freeze during the winter and should be protected from frost. Move your Aloes indoors during cold months if you can.

Watering Your Aloe

When it comes to watering, an Aloe Vera  plant is in greater danger of being overwatered than underwatered. Aloes like a soil that drains well. A cactus mix or a sandy soil is good for larger pots. Smaller pots drain quickly, and any good potting soil will do the trick.  Water your Aloe sparingly in the winter since it won’t be drying up very fast. It won’t need to be watered very often, maybe once a ever week or two. In the summertime you can really soak the soil, but let the soil dry out between waterings. Make sure there is a drainage hole in the pot since the roots are prone to rot when exposed to long periods of wet soil.

Down and Dirty

The best way to check the soil is to get about 2-3 inches into the soil. If your Aloe Vera plant is small you only need to check about 1-2 inches in. It is very common for some parts to be dryer than others so make sure you check close to the base of the plant. The roots of Aloe aren’t that long, so the dirt close to the base of the plant should not be moist. By moist, I mean soil that sticks to your fingers. Let the soil get to the point where it is crumbly and lighter in color. Let it stay that way for a few days before watering the plant again.

Reading Aloe leaves

Poor Aloe Vera plant care shows in the leaves. Here’s how you can tell what is happening with your plant:

1. Aloe leaves should grow upward, away from the base of the plant. If the leaves are lying flat, your Aloe probably has insufficient light. Although it will turn brown with too much light, it still needs a good amount of sunshine.
2. If the leaves are thin and curled, you probably are not watering your Aloe enough. The plant is using up its own liquid to keep itself nourished. Give it some water!
3. When the leaves are brown, as I mentioned before, your plant should be taken to a place with less direct sunshine.
4. If the plant is growing very slowly, the soil or water might be too alkaline. It could also mean that the plant was too damp for too long, needs more light, or has too much fertilizer. It might also like a bigger pot.

Repotting

Repotting an Aloe Vera plant is not necessary until the upper plant gets too top-heavy. The plant can stand to be root-bound, which means the roots become tangled and grow in circles. When it does become root-bound it will send up more shoots, or pups. More Aloe for you! If these little Aloes are not removed and replanted, they will suck the life out of the mother plant- parenting is tough. Some signs that this is happening include a bright green color in the parent horizontally growing leaves. When repotting Aloe pups, give them a good watering in their new pot, and then don’t water them again for 3 weeks. This will force the new roots to seek water. It is normal for the transplanted plant to turn grey or brown for a while. They are in shock. Keeping them in a shady spot  during this period will help them to bounce back faster. For step by step instructions on repotting, check out this article.

Vitamins and Supplements Lifestyle Guide

For thousands of years, people have used the gel from aloe vera leaves for healing and softening the skin. In fact, aloe has also long been a folk treatment for many maladies, including constipation and skin disorders. Modern-day research into aloe vera's benefits is mixed, with some evidence showing it fights tumors and some showing it causes colorectal cancers.

There are no foods that contain aloe vera, so it must be taken in supplement or gel form.

Some forms of aloe vera are safer to take than others, and chronic use is discouraged.

What are the uses of aloe vera?

Research backs up the ancient use of topical aloe vera as a skin treatment, at least for specific conditions. Studies have shown that aloe gel might be effective in treating psoriasis, seborrhea, dandruff, and minor burns and skin abrasions, as well asradiation-induced skin injuries. Aloe gel also seems helpful in treating the sores caused by genital herpes in men.

There’s also strong evidence that aloe juice (also called latex) taken by mouth is a powerful laxative. In fact, aloe juice was once sold in over-the-counter constipationdrugs. However, because aloe’s safety was not well-established, the FDA ordered in 2002 that over-the-counter laxatives containing aloe vera either be reformulated or removed from store shelves.

Aloe vera gel taken orally (by mouth) seems to help people with diabetes by loweringblood sugar levels. It may also help to lower cholesterol. The results of aloe vera studies for other medical conditions have been less clear.

How much aloe vera should you use?

Creams and gels with aloe vera vary in dosage. Some creams for minor burns have just 0.5% aloe vera. Others used for psoriasis may contain as much as 70% aloe vera. As an oral supplement, aloe has no set dose. For constipation, some use 100-200 milligrams of aloe juice -- or 50 milligrams of aloe extract -- daily as needed. Fordiabetes, 1 tablespoon of the gel has been used daily. High oral doses of aloe or aloe latex are dangerous. Ask your doctor for advice on how to use aloe.

All Natural Face Wash Cream Homemade Aloe and Chamomile 1

Aloe-Vera Care: Healthy hair shouldn’t just look the part- it shou...

Aloe-Vera Care: Healthy hair shouldn’t just look the part- it shou...: Healthy hair shouldn’t just look the part- it should feel great, too. With all the unfortunate damage our hair faces from weather, styling ...

Healthy hair shouldn’t just look the part- it should feel great, too. With all the unfortunate damage our hair faces from weather, styling tools and products, it’s hard to find the right solution that can be the hero our locks are looking for. Thankfully, Aloe Vera is a natural ingredient that can help fight countless hair issues without breaking the bank.

Because of its various healing nutrients, Aloe Vera is a plant species often used in various herbal medicines. Aloe Vera is rich in amino acids, vitamin A, folic acid and vitamin C. While it seems like just about everybody knows Aloe-Vera can be used as a go-to solution for sun burn relief, who knew you could use this soothing gel for damage relief for your hair, too? Read on to find out how Aloe Vera can be utilized as much more than a skin treatment, and why we love it for fighting hair damage, too.

Aloe Vera as a Hair Treatment

1.  Dandruff

Aloe Vera can be used in dandruff treatment and prevention. Just like Aloe Vera soothes dry skin from a sun burn, it can also moisturize a dry scalp, which helps to alleviate the presence of pesky flakes. Treating a flaky scalp is also a key factor in eliminating dandruff all together.

2.  Oily Hair

Treating dry hair can be often be accompanied by undesirable oil build-up. Thankfully, Aloe Vera can be used as a rinse for oily hair without additional, unwanted effects like making hair dry or brittle. The rinse is easy to make and only needs one part aloe vera juice with two parts lemon juice, then apply to the shaft of the hair.

3.  Frizzy Hair

The amino acids in Aloe Vera can promote strength and add shine to your hair. As a result, it helps to tame frizzy hair while still leaving  your locks silky and glossy. Since Aloe Vera also helps lock in moisture to improve the smoothness of hair, it tends to also work well as a detangler, too.

4.  Hair Loss

Aloe Vera can help prevent frequent hair loss and promote hair growth.  With hair loss, using Aloe Vera regularly will rejuvenate the hair follicles and reduce thinning. Along with hair loss prevention, Aloe Vera enzymes promote hair growth by helping your locks retain moisture, and by clearing dead skin cells off of your scalp.

Most people know aloe as a life saver for sun burned skin, but at Morrocco Method, we know it can also be your hair’s hero, too. If you want a healthier scalp and shinier hair without the chemical build-up, try nature’s hair repair agent, Aloe Vera!

Aloe Vera for Face

Aloe vera truly is a miracle plant. Grown in drier climates such as those of Africa and India, this herbal remedy can provide natural relief for a variety of conditions including dry skin and severe acne. The beneficial part of the aloe vera plant can be found in the clear, sappy substance hidden within in its long, thick leaves.

Benefits of Aloe Vera for Face

Moisturize	Because aloe vera possesses excellent moisturizing capabilities it is commonly used as a daily skin cream. It is excellent for facial use, especially for women who use makeup frequently, as it effectively cleans and softens the skin. The moisturizing effect works for both men and women.
Treat Acne	The antimicrobial properties of aloe vera also make it an excellent option for acne treatment. Not only will aloe vera help to prevent acne, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the skin inflammation caused by acne.
Fight Skin Aging	Applying aloe vera gel to your face regularly will help to diminish the lines and wrinkles associated with ageing and loss of elasticity in the skin. This is due to the simple fact that aloe vera contains both vitamin C and E, both of which are known to be vital for healthy skin and also help to improve natural firmness, leaving your skin soft, supple and hydrated.
Treat Sunburn	The healing properties of aloe vera gel can additionally help to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with sunburn. It serves to restore your skin's natural moisture and also acts as a protective barrier against further damage.

How to Use Aloe Vera for Your Face

How to Extract and Use Aloe Vera for Skin Care

For Glowing Skin	This face pack is excellent for making your skin glow and feeling great. Ingredients Turmeric, Aloe Vera, Rose Water, Honey & Milk Instructions First, create a paste with a small amount of turmeric using 1 tsp of milk, 1 tsp of honey and a few drops of rose water. Then add the aloe vera gel to the paste and mix well. Once the paste has been mixed, evenly apply to the face and neck and leave for roughly 20 minutes. Wash off with cold or warm water and pat dry to reveal your new glowing skin.
Remove Tan	This facemask is excellent for helping to remove an unwanted tan. This can be of special use for those living in hot and sunny climates where skin tanning is inevitable. Ingredients Aloe Vera, Lemon Juice Instructions Mix lemon juice and aloe vera gel and then apply onto the affected area. Let the paste stay for roughly 10-15 minutes and then wash off. You can also use cotton to help apply the paste to your skin.
Face Scrub	This face scrub is excellent for cleaning, cooling, refreshing, and moisturizing all skin types whether oily, dry, or sensitive. Ingredients Aloe Vera, Oatmeal, Avocado, Honey Instructions Cut the avocado in half and scoop out the pulp. Add the oats, aloe vera and a tablespoon of honey. Mash the ingredients together in a bowl until the mixture just a little bit lumpy. Massage the final mixture gently on the face and leave for 10-15 minutes before washing off with warm water.
For Oily Skin	This facemask is great for helping to control oily skin and prevent the occurrence of spots and acne. Ingredients Aloe Vera Leaf, Honey Instructions Boil the aloe vera leaf in the water and then grind to form a paste. Mix this paste with honey and apply to the face. Leave for 20 minutes and then wash off with cold water. You should feel your pores tighten and the oil on your face reduced.
For Sensitive Skin	This is a very gentle way of cleansing sensitive skin to remove oil, dead skin cells, and dirt leaving your skin feeling clean and rejuvenated. Ingredients Aloe Vera, Yogurt, Cucumber Juice & Essential Oils (preferably Rose Oil) Instructions After creating a paste of aloe vera with small amounts of yoghurt and cucumber, and a few drops of an essential oil, apply to the face. Leave for 15 minutes before washing off with cold water.
For Dry Skin	This face pack will help dry and aged skin achieve its optimal level of moisture, leaving it soft and supple. Ingredients Aloe Vera, Almonds Instructions Crush a few almonds and mix well into aloe vera gel to form a paste. Once done, apply to the face and neck and let sit for roughly 15 minutes before washing off.
Treat Pigmentation Marks	This face pack is excellent for reducing the appearance of unwanted blemishes and pigmentation marks on your skin, including age spots and zit marks, as well as burns and other wounds. Ingredients Aloe Vera, Rose Water Instructions Create a paste of rose water and aloe vera extract or gel and apply it to the face for 20 minutes. Before washing off with cold water massage the paste gently into the face for 2-3 minutes.

How To Grow Aloe Vera From a Leaf (And Use It)

This tutorial will instruct you on how to grow aloe vera and how to use it. Aloe vera can help you and your household or area. Aloe vera is the most useful plant in the world and has at least 6 natural antiseptics for killing mold and bacteria. Aloe vera has 101 uses.

Step 1: Gathering The Materials

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Materials list:

• an aloe vera leaf
• a clay pot with large holes in it
• potting soil
• a watering device (such as a hose)
• a couple fragments of broken pottery
• knife
• spoon

You can gather all these things at a plant nursery and a gardening store.

Step 2: Prepare The Pot

First check your pot. Your pot should have large holes for water drainage. Then get a piece of broken pottery and place it over the hole like shown above. This piece should keep the dirt from falling out of the pot but will still drain water. Next, fill the pot with potting soil until it is 1 inch below the edge of the pot.

Step 3: Plant The Aloe Vera

Take the leaf of aloe vera and place it on the soil so it lays flat. Then push it a little into the soil like shown above. The aloe vera should still be exposed a little. Next, find a place to set your pot and aloe. It should be near sunlight and on something that you're okay getting wet.

Step 4: Water And Wait

Then water the aloe vera. Pour water into the pot until it reaches the edge of the pot. Then let it soak through the soil and drain a little. Water the aloe whenever you see the soil dry. Next, you wait. The aloe vera should sprout tiny leaves in a couple of weeks.

Step 5: How To Use It

Here is how to use the aloe vera. In about two months after sprouting the aloe vera should be ready to use. First pick a leaf. If you look in the end than you picked, you should see a clear jelly-like pulp. Next, take a knife and cut the aloe vera lengthways in half like shown above. Then take a spoon and scrape out the pulp like shown above. The pulp is ready to apply.

Here are a few ways to use the pulp:

1. Apply to fire burns for a quick heal
2. Apply to sunburns for a quick heal
3. Apply to stings and insect bites to sooth it
4. Helps heal bruises
5. Can take care of rashes.